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Mercury stunned by Jovana Nogic’s sudden departure
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- Mercury stunned by Jovana Nogic’s sudden departure
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In a season riddled with disappointment, there comes another disappointment to the Phoenix Mercury , as rookie guard Jovana Nogic will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season.
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She averaged 10.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists during her 16 games with the team. In her first game, Nogic made Mercury history against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces .
It immediately put the WNBA on notice, and reflected how good the Mercury 's scouting department has been for finding international talent.
However, her surprising move doesn't come as much of a shock.
The EuroBasket tournament will start in 2027, and she is the captain of the Serbian Women's National Team. Nogic is expected to lead her country into the qualifiers.
However, that report has since been refuted, according to Nogic's agent in an ESPN article by Alexa Philippou. Luckily for her, she'll be eligible to return to the Mercury in that same year.
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It wasn't an easy decision for the Serbian sniper, who has always shown the love to the city.
"This was not an easy decision; I love Phoenix, our organization and our fans," said Nogić in the team's press release. "The Mercury community made me feel welcome from day one, and I look forward to returning to Phoenix next season."
Jovana Nogic's absence leaves Mercury even more shorthanded
Throughout the last week, Phoenix has been riddled with injuries. Monique Akoa Makani , Natasha Mack , Sami Whitcomb , and even Alyssa Thomas , who served a one-game suspension during the team's brief road trip all missed games.
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Nogic was a part of that list, and the team didn't comment on it when asked about her departure. Nonetheless, losing her shooting and playmaking ability will be evident.
Although Akoa Makani is growing more in that area, it leaves more responsibility for her, Thomas, and Kahleah Copper to be the primary ball handlers.
Even with Nogic modeling her game after a hall of famer , it's hard to lose that flare.
Their 7-13 record isn't ideal, but they've made strides in the last two weeks. Again, losing a premier perimeter threat is a massive blow, but something Phoenix is going to have to digest quickly.
Related: Phoenix head coach defends Alyssa Thomas after Caitlin Clark foul, suspension
